How to Style Your Outfit for Holiday Parties﻿

It’s party season! You’ve sent RSVPs to all of your holiday party invites. Now it’s time to start planning your outfits. Shop smart for the season. Keep an eye out for timeless basics, as well as statement pieces. You can mix and match your ensembles to get more bang for your buck. There’s no need to spend all your pin money on a dozen different dresses. With the right accessories, cosmetics, and shoes, you can change the entire look of your outfit from one party to the next. Are you ready?

A Few Fabulous Outfits

Regardless of your style, you need several outfits to help you through the season. For you, that might be a trio of cocktail dresses, a little black dress, or a fashionable skirt with a glittery selection of mix and match tops. Perhaps you prefer menswear-inspired couture and enjoy dressing in tailored jackets, trousers, and button-down tops. It doesn’t have to be something new, just something seasonal, festive, and flattering. Your best bet is to pick out pieces that you can intermingle. That way, you’re never caught wearing the exact same outfit twice.

Winter-ready shoes are a must. The footwear often makes the outfit. Not only that, but a different shoe can dramatically affect the overall vibe of your ensemble. Whether you shop at Payless or Prada, snag at least three pairs of shoes designed for winter-wear. No, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your heels! Just be sure to pick out shoes that aren’t too slippery in potentially icy weather. Choose a pair of to-die-for booties, the perfect pair of pumps or strappy heels, and some knee-high boots. That will definitely tide you over through party season.

Jaw-Dropping Jewelry

Accessories can make or break your outfit. Bear that in mind as you select jewelry for your seasonal ensembles. Statement earrings are essential. Consider chandelier earrings, or something sparkling with dazzling gemstones. Long pendants and throat-hugging chokers are the top choices for necklaces. Cocktail rings in intricate designs are still all the rage. Often, switching out your jewelry creates the illusion of a new look, even if you’re wearing a dress you’ve already worn.

A Statement Coat

Think about the season. No one wants to cover up their slinky slip dress with a big, bulky coat, but it’s non-negotiable during the holidays. The secret is to shop for a coat with a dramatic edge. Break out with a statement while remaining warm and protected from the elements. Faux fur in an eye-catching color does the trick. A-line coats with flattering silhouettes are on-point, too. Go with a longer hemline, preferably something that reaches your knees. Dynamic designs and details, such as decorative buttons and well-placed ruffles, will take your coat to the next level.

Your complexion changes in the winter. The white landscape demands a change, as well. Switch out your summer and fall makeup for items that ring in the season. Dramatic shades of lipstick, bejeweled eye shadow palettes, and a blush that leaves your cheeks rosy are crucial winter cosmetics. Check out fashion magazines and YouTube for examples of holiday makeup looks. Experiment with winged eyeliner, hard creases, and false eyelashes. Choose hues that complement your party outfits.

On-Trend Hairstyles

The way you wear your hair can dress up your ensembles, as well. Draw inspiration from virtually anywhere! If you see a hairdo that you love on someone else, make a note of it. Book an appointment at the salon, or head back to YouTube to learn how to fix your hair yourself. To stay trendy, it doesn’t hurt to peek at the freshest hair accessories, either. Jeweled barrettes, hair necklaces, and streaks of vivid color can all make a world of difference.

On-Point Accessories

Think beyond jewelry. The other accessories you wear can highlight your outfit, but they can also bring it down if you aren’t careful. Shop for flowing scarves that add to your look while keeping you warm. That goes for gloves and hats, as well. Don’t forget to browse for the perfect handbag. A sparkly clutch is a fabulous pick. You need something that matches your outfit with enough room to hold cash, your phone, ID, and a few essential makeup items.

For the finishing touch, consider accent pieces. Throw on a shrug or a pashmina over your dress. Pin a brooch to your coat. Pick out fun tights with sparkles or holiday details. Whether it’s a kimono cardigan or a festive pair of socks, don’t forget that the devil’s in the details.

Spend the season showing off your status as a sartorial stunner. Let your fabulous, fashionable presence be the present that you give to your friends, family, and humble hosts. How do you intend to dress up your holiday outfits this year?

Author Bio: Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry, collaborating with industry insiders and designers, such as the experts at Pink Lily, to get insight on the latest trends.